She suffers a good deal at times, but her worst trouble is that her nerves are disordered, most likely from the dulness and monotony of her life.
She suffers cruelly from low spirits; and no wonder, lying all day in that dull little back room.

Her sister cannot sit with her, as Phoebe cannot bear the noise of the sewing-machine, and the sight of the outer world seems to irritate her.

The neighbours would come in to cheer her up, but she does not seem able to bear their loud voices.

It is wonderful,' he continued musingly, 'how education and refinement train the voice: strange to say, though my voice is not particularly low, and certainly not sweet, it never seems to jar upon her.' 'Very likely not,' I returned quickly; 'no doubt she depends upon you for all her comforts: to most invalids the doctor's visit is the one bright spot in the day.' 'It seems strange that we do not project our own shadows sometimes, and make our patient shiver,' he said, with a touch of gruffness.

'It is little that I can do for Phoebe, except order her a blister or ice when she needs it.